Ministry of Labor considering ways to raise minimum wage next year

The Ministry of Labour has launched a feasibility study into five options for raising the minimum wage next year.

The study is expected to be ready for government deliberation in May. Permanent Secretary of Labor Nakhon Silpa-archa, who is also a chairman of the minimum wage committee, said the panel insisted the 300 baht daily minimum wage be maintained until the end of 2015.

The committee has considered five options for the wage hike. They include increasing it directly via committee request, allowing wages increase organically via the private sctor, consulting 18 provincial groups or industrial factors, and using combination approach.

According to the labor panel, more than 6,000 workers from 223 companies based in 12,229 locations receive below 300 baht per day. These companies are mostly small-sized enterprises. The Department of Labour Protection and Welfare will take legal action against these employers.

Violators of the minimum wage regulation receive a maximum jail term of six months and/or a fine of 100,000 baht. Mr. Nakhon reiterated that both Thai and migrant workers must be paid a minimum wage of 300 baht daily.